GAME REPORT

Azzurri Stop The Rot With Win Over Hungary

Italy started fast and then had to hold on for dear life before claiming a 75-68 win over Hungary on Wednesday at Porto San Giorgio.

Clinging to the hope they can string together enough wins to stay in the race for the EuroBasket 2009 Final Round, the Italians gave themselves a chance by improving to 2-4 and climbing into third place in Group A.

"On one hand we were not able to be focused for the whole time, but on the other hand we were aggressive for the duration of the game," Italy coach Carlo Recalcati said.

"We were afraid of repeating the same mistakes of the away games, but we needed to win this game to keep on our journey in this qualification and we so we did."

The Azzurri began extremely well, leading 26-12 by the end of the first quarter.

They weren't able to press home the advantage and Hungary, frustrating Italy with a zone defense, clawed the deficit all the way back, tying the contest at 57-57 with a 7-0 run at the beginning of fourth quarter.

Massimo Bulleri and Andrea Crosariol hit jumpers, and Crosariol followed with a dunk for a 63-57 advantage with 4:26 remaining.

Hungary got no closer than four points after.

Giuseppe Poeta had 15 points and Bulleri and Valerio Amoroso poured in 12 apiece for Italy.

Istvan Nemeth had a game-high 19 points for Hungary, who are now like Italy 2-4 and in fourth place.

COACH QUOTES

Quotes Italy vs. Hungary

Carlo Recalcati, Italy coach:

"It was a tough game, and it is not a problem for me to say that we suffered very much against their zone. On one hand we were not able to be focused for the whole time, but on the other hand we were aggressive for the duration of the game. We were afraid of repeating the same mistakes of the away games, but we needed to win this game to keep on our journey in this qualification and we so we did."

Valerio Amoroso, Italy player:

"We are a young and new team and it's still difficult to play together, but we were focused on winning this game and we did. We were able to play good basketball when needed. We are happy and ready to go to Finland to win."

Lajos Meszaros, Hungary coach:

"First of all I'd like to congratulate our opponents. It was a hard game but we had the chance to win with four minutes to go in the game. But then Massimo Bulleri scored five points in succession and this is when we lost."

Istvan Nemeth, Hungary player:

"It was a very important game for both teams. Italy was very aggressive from the start. We came back in the third quarter, but we were tired. Tonight Italy have shown better quality than us."